Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Management of Nightmare Disorder in Adults

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/management-of-nightmare-disorder-in-adults

  Occasional nightmares are fairly common, but nightmare disorder occurs in 2% to 6% of adults. […] Behavioral intervention with imagery-rehearsal therapy is currently the only treatment strategy recommended for all patients with recurrent nightmares. […] The only treatment strategy with enough evidence to be recommended in the AASM’s position paper is behavioral intervention with imagery-rehearsal therapy (IRT). […] Additional treatments that may be used for both PTSD-associated nightmares and nightmare disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapies. […] Pharmacist awareness of nightmare disorder is becoming increasingly important.

• #2 Treating nightmare disorder in adults – Sleep Education

  https://sleepeducation.org/treating-nightmare-disorder-adults/

  While nightmares occur frequently in children, they can be a problem for adults too. […] Approximately 4 percent of adults have nightmare disorder, either by itself or as part of other disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). […] Fortunately, there are treatments for nightmare disorder in adults. […] The position paper reports that image rehearsal therapy is useful for the treatment of nightmare disorder and nightmares associated with PTSD. […] The AASM task force found that various methods may be used for treating nightmare disorders, including cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and some prescription medications. […] If you are struggling with nightmares, talk with a doctor, who may refer you to an accredited sleep center. Effectively treating nightmare disorder can improve your sleep quality and help you feel more alert and less sleepy.

• #3 Nightmare | Definition, Causes, Prevention, & Facts | Britannica

  https://www.britannica.com/science/nightmare

  Nightmares generally cannot be prevented. Jednak badania wykazały, że praktykowanie zdrowych nawyków snu może zmniejszyć lęk, a tym samym zmniejszyć prawdopodobieństwo wystąpienia koszmarów. […] Unikanie kofeiny, alkoholu i narkotyków przed snem oraz regularne ćwiczenia, które zmniejszają stres i poprawiają jakość snu, mogą również zmniejszyć ryzyko koszmarów. […] W bardziej poważnych przypadkach terapia wyobrażeniowa (IRT), forma terapii poznawczo-behawioralnej (CBT), może pomóc w zmniejszeniu częstotliwości koszmarów. Podczas IRT pacjenci są zachęcani do ponownego wyobrażania sobie swoich koszmarów z innymi, szczęśliwszymi zakończeniami. IRT i inne rodzaje CBT są stosowane, aby pomóc pacjentom rozpoznać swoje koszmary jako nieprzyjemne wzorce myślenia, co z kolei może pomóc im w konfrontacji z ich lękami.

• #4 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder

  Are nightmares preventable? […] While it may not be possible to completely prevent nightmares, there are several strategies that can help reduce their frequency and intensity: […] Stress management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help minimize stress-induced nightmares. […] Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential nightmare triggers, such as certain medications, alcohol, or stressful situations, can help prevent nightmares. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), can help individuals rewrite the endings of their nightmares and reduce their frequency and intensity.

• #5 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print

  Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] While nightmares are not by definition pathologic, those that are frequent or disabling and impair social, occupational, emotional, and physical wellbeing are considered a disorder and are often a sign of underlying and treatable psychopathology. […] This topic reviews the causes, differential diagnosis, evaluation, and management of nightmares in adults. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] Trauma—Patients with a history of physical or emotional trauma are at increased risk for nightmares and related symptoms of intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal. […] Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder.

• #6 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print

  Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] While nightmares are not by definition pathologic, those that are frequent or disabling and impair social, occupational, emotional, and physical wellbeing are considered a disorder and are often a sign of underlying and treatable psychopathology. […] This topic reviews the causes, differential diagnosis, evaluation, and management of nightmares in adults. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] Trauma—Patients with a history of physical or emotional trauma are at increased risk for nightmares and related symptoms of intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal. […] Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder.

• #7 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print

  Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] While nightmares are not by definition pathologic, those that are frequent or disabling and impair social, occupational, emotional, and physical wellbeing are considered a disorder and are often a sign of underlying and treatable psychopathology. […] This topic reviews the causes, differential diagnosis, evaluation, and management of nightmares in adults. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] Trauma—Patients with a history of physical or emotional trauma are at increased risk for nightmares and related symptoms of intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal. […] Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder.

• #8 Understanding and Coping with Nightmares in Young People – thewaveclinic.com

  https://thewaveclinic.com/blog/understanding-coping-with-nightmares-in-young-people/

  Nightmares are particularly common among people with PTSD, with as many as 50% 70% of people reporting frequent nightmares. […] If a child or young person finds that their nightmares affect their everyday life or cause them significant distress, its a good idea to seek help. Nightmares are treatable and young people dont have to continue suffering: with the right support, they can start to enjoy calmer nights and easier days. […] There are several different treatment approaches that may help to reduce nightmares in young people. While both medication and psychotherapy may effective in some cases, psychotherapy particularly cognitive behavioural therapy currently has the strongest and most consistent support from research. […] Research shows that nightmares are more common in people who live with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health concerns. Addressing and treating these underlying issues can play an important role in reducing the frequency and severity of nightmares. […] Practising good self-care alongside professional support can help young people to manage and reduce nightmares. They could try: relaxing before bed, keeping regular sleep and wake hours, reducing overall stress and anxiety, avoiding alcohol.

• #9 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print

  Psychotherapy to address underlying psychopathology or past trauma is suggested in most patients with chronic, persistent nightmares. […] Among these, imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and prazosin have the largest supporting literature. […] Lifestyle modifications that promote good sleep can help to decrease the frequency and severity of nightmares and enhance the overall quality of sleep. […] When the onset of nightmares is temporally linked to a potentially causative medication, discontinuation of or gradual decrease in dose will usually result in resolution of the nightmares. […] Nightmares commonly occur during withdrawal from GABA-ergic medications or substances such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.

• #10 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print

  Psychotherapy to address underlying psychopathology or past trauma is suggested in most patients with chronic, persistent nightmares. […] Among these, imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and prazosin have the largest supporting literature. […] Lifestyle modifications that promote good sleep can help to decrease the frequency and severity of nightmares and enhance the overall quality of sleep. […] When the onset of nightmares is temporally linked to a potentially causative medication, discontinuation of or gradual decrease in dose will usually result in resolution of the nightmares. […] Nightmares commonly occur during withdrawal from GABA-ergic medications or substances such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.

• #11 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder

  Are nightmares preventable? […] While it may not be possible to completely prevent nightmares, there are several strategies that can help reduce their frequency and intensity: […] Stress management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help minimize stress-induced nightmares. […] Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential nightmare triggers, such as certain medications, alcohol, or stressful situations, can help prevent nightmares. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), can help individuals rewrite the endings of their nightmares and reduce their frequency and intensity.

• #12 What Causes Nightmares? Treatment & Types

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/nightmares/article_em.htm

  Nightmare prevention […] Practicing good sleep hygiene is important for everyone who has experienced nightmares. This includes: establishing a bedtime routine that starts at the same time every evening and making bedtime a safe and comfortable time. […] For children: using a nightlight can decrease fear or anxiety; discussing monsters — either under the bed or in the closet — and showing the child that nothing harmful is present can be reassuring; and imagining alternate endings to nightmares can provide a child with a sense of empowerment prior to going to sleep. […] For adults, improvement in sleep/wake cycles can be seen with: eliminating television or computer exposure an hour or more before bedtime; maintaining consistent sleep and wake times; eliminating working in bed; cutting back on caffeine after 1PM (for those who work daytime hours); and practicing lucid dreaming. […] If nightmares occur frequently (more than two nights per week over many months), then psychological evaluation is suggested. Different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnosis, can be of benefit in decreasing the frequency of nightmares.

• #13 How to Prevent Nightmares | Right as Rain by UW Medicine

  https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest/nightmares

  Nightmares are so scary, there are horror movie plots about them (“Nightmare on Elm Street,” anyone?). Even though we know they aren’t real, they can still disturb us, making it hard to fall back asleep or even invading our daytime thoughts. […] While you can’t control your dreams and make it so you never get another nightmare, you can take steps to be better rested and reduce your chances of having a nightmare: Stick to a regular bedtime routine, including when you go to bed and when you get up. Make sure you allocate enough time for sleep. Generally, adults need between seven and eight hours each night. Rather than watching TV or doomscrolling on your phone, choose relaxing activities like reading or knitting prior to bedtime. Make your bedroom a place you feel safe and cozy in, whether that means adding a soft blanket, controlling the temperature or using blackout curtains. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, doing activities you enjoy and managing stress can all help you sleep more soundly. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed; too much of either can disrupt your sleep.

• #14

  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a31996190/how-to-stop-nightmares/

  Nightmares can be exhausting and may feel like a hopeless situation when peaceful sleep is always under threat but there are steps you can take to help tame the dream beast. Try these tips to stop nightmares, so you can snooze sounder at night. […] Sometimes there’s an underlying condition that may be causing your nightmare issues, so uncovering and treating it may be the fix you need. […] It’s a tactic that many sleep experts recommend for patients experiencing nightmare-related insomnia, and you can do it right from the comfort of your home before bed. […] Finding ways to keep a handle on it during the day may help you out at night. […] If your blood sugar drops too low while you’re sleeping, that can cause a nightmare, says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., an integrative medical expert. […] Maintaining a regular sleep schedule seven days a week (yes, weekends, too!) is key to getting enough shuteye, and in turn, staving off nightmares.

• #15 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  Treatment for nightmares isn’t usually necessary. However, treatment may be needed if the nightmares are causing you distress or sleep disturbance and interfering with your daytime functioning. […] If a mental health condition, such as stress or anxiety, seems to be contributing to the nightmares, your doctor may suggest stress-reduction techniques, counseling or therapy with a mental health professional. […] If nightmares are a problem for you or your child, try these strategies: Establish a regular, relaxing routine before bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine is important. […] If your child is struggling with nightmares, be patient, calm and reassuring. After your child awakens from a nightmare, respond quickly and soothe your child at the bedside. This may prevent future nightmares.

• #16 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://psychcentral.com/disorders/nightmare-disorder-symptoms

  Theres no guarantee that you can direct the content of your dreams. […] But with the help of a qualified therapist, you can work through the imagery during your waking hours to cope with your symptoms and reduce the occurrences of nightmares. […] For instance, research shows that targeted psychotherapy techniques such as IRT or ERRT combined with improved sleep hygiene practices may help reduce future instances of PTSD-associated nightmares. […] You might try these tips to improve your sleep hygiene and get a better nights rest: Establish to a regular bedtime routine. Commit to a regular sleep schedule. Set a no-screen rule at least 1 hour before bed. Charge your electronic devices in another room. Lower the thermostat to 6570F (1821C). Make your room as dark as possible. Diffuse calming essential oils like lavender. Invest in a quality pillow.

• #17 What Causes Nightmares? Treatment & Types

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/nightmares/article_em.htm

  Nightmare prevention […] Practicing good sleep hygiene is important for everyone who has experienced nightmares. This includes: establishing a bedtime routine that starts at the same time every evening and making bedtime a safe and comfortable time. […] For children: using a nightlight can decrease fear or anxiety; discussing monsters — either under the bed or in the closet — and showing the child that nothing harmful is present can be reassuring; and imagining alternate endings to nightmares can provide a child with a sense of empowerment prior to going to sleep. […] For adults, improvement in sleep/wake cycles can be seen with: eliminating television or computer exposure an hour or more before bedtime; maintaining consistent sleep and wake times; eliminating working in bed; cutting back on caffeine after 1PM (for those who work daytime hours); and practicing lucid dreaming. […] If nightmares occur frequently (more than two nights per week over many months), then psychological evaluation is suggested. Different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnosis, can be of benefit in decreasing the frequency of nightmares.

• #18 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://psychcentral.com/disorders/nightmare-disorder-symptoms

  Theres no guarantee that you can direct the content of your dreams. […] But with the help of a qualified therapist, you can work through the imagery during your waking hours to cope with your symptoms and reduce the occurrences of nightmares. […] For instance, research shows that targeted psychotherapy techniques such as IRT or ERRT combined with improved sleep hygiene practices may help reduce future instances of PTSD-associated nightmares. […] You might try these tips to improve your sleep hygiene and get a better nights rest: Establish to a regular bedtime routine. Commit to a regular sleep schedule. Set a no-screen rule at least 1 hour before bed. Charge your electronic devices in another room. Lower the thermostat to 6570F (1821C). Make your room as dark as possible. Diffuse calming essential oils like lavender. Invest in a quality pillow.

• #19 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://psychcentral.com/disorders/nightmare-disorder-symptoms

  Theres no guarantee that you can direct the content of your dreams. […] But with the help of a qualified therapist, you can work through the imagery during your waking hours to cope with your symptoms and reduce the occurrences of nightmares. […] For instance, research shows that targeted psychotherapy techniques such as IRT or ERRT combined with improved sleep hygiene practices may help reduce future instances of PTSD-associated nightmares. […] You might try these tips to improve your sleep hygiene and get a better nights rest: Establish to a regular bedtime routine. Commit to a regular sleep schedule. Set a no-screen rule at least 1 hour before bed. Charge your electronic devices in another room. Lower the thermostat to 6570F (1821C). Make your room as dark as possible. Diffuse calming essential oils like lavender. Invest in a quality pillow.

• #20 What Causes Nightmares? Treatment & Types

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/nightmares/article_em.htm

  Nightmare prevention […] Practicing good sleep hygiene is important for everyone who has experienced nightmares. This includes: establishing a bedtime routine that starts at the same time every evening and making bedtime a safe and comfortable time. […] For children: using a nightlight can decrease fear or anxiety; discussing monsters — either under the bed or in the closet — and showing the child that nothing harmful is present can be reassuring; and imagining alternate endings to nightmares can provide a child with a sense of empowerment prior to going to sleep. […] For adults, improvement in sleep/wake cycles can be seen with: eliminating television or computer exposure an hour or more before bedtime; maintaining consistent sleep and wake times; eliminating working in bed; cutting back on caffeine after 1PM (for those who work daytime hours); and practicing lucid dreaming. […] If nightmares occur frequently (more than two nights per week over many months), then psychological evaluation is suggested. Different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnosis, can be of benefit in decreasing the frequency of nightmares.

• #21 How to Prevent Nightmares | Right as Rain by UW Medicine

  https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest/nightmares

  Nightmares are so scary, there are horror movie plots about them (“Nightmare on Elm Street,” anyone?). Even though we know they aren’t real, they can still disturb us, making it hard to fall back asleep or even invading our daytime thoughts. […] While you can’t control your dreams and make it so you never get another nightmare, you can take steps to be better rested and reduce your chances of having a nightmare: Stick to a regular bedtime routine, including when you go to bed and when you get up. Make sure you allocate enough time for sleep. Generally, adults need between seven and eight hours each night. Rather than watching TV or doomscrolling on your phone, choose relaxing activities like reading or knitting prior to bedtime. Make your bedroom a place you feel safe and cozy in, whether that means adding a soft blanket, controlling the temperature or using blackout curtains. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, doing activities you enjoy and managing stress can all help you sleep more soundly. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed; too much of either can disrupt your sleep.

• #22 How to Prevent Nightmares | Right as Rain by UW Medicine

  https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/rest/nightmares

  Nightmares are so scary, there are horror movie plots about them (“Nightmare on Elm Street,” anyone?). Even though we know they aren’t real, they can still disturb us, making it hard to fall back asleep or even invading our daytime thoughts. […] While you can’t control your dreams and make it so you never get another nightmare, you can take steps to be better rested and reduce your chances of having a nightmare: Stick to a regular bedtime routine, including when you go to bed and when you get up. Make sure you allocate enough time for sleep. Generally, adults need between seven and eight hours each night. Rather than watching TV or doomscrolling on your phone, choose relaxing activities like reading or knitting prior to bedtime. Make your bedroom a place you feel safe and cozy in, whether that means adding a soft blanket, controlling the temperature or using blackout curtains. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, doing activities you enjoy and managing stress can all help you sleep more soundly. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed; too much of either can disrupt your sleep.

• #23 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #24 Nightmare | Definition, Causes, Prevention, & Facts | Britannica

  https://www.britannica.com/science/nightmare

  Nightmares generally cannot be prevented. Jednak badania wykazały, że praktykowanie zdrowych nawyków snu może zmniejszyć lęk, a tym samym zmniejszyć prawdopodobieństwo wystąpienia koszmarów. […] Unikanie kofeiny, alkoholu i narkotyków przed snem oraz regularne ćwiczenia, które zmniejszają stres i poprawiają jakość snu, mogą również zmniejszyć ryzyko koszmarów. […] W bardziej poważnych przypadkach terapia wyobrażeniowa (IRT), forma terapii poznawczo-behawioralnej (CBT), może pomóc w zmniejszeniu częstotliwości koszmarów. Podczas IRT pacjenci są zachęcani do ponownego wyobrażania sobie swoich koszmarów z innymi, szczęśliwszymi zakończeniami. IRT i inne rodzaje CBT są stosowane, aby pomóc pacjentom rozpoznać swoje koszmary jako nieprzyjemne wzorce myślenia, co z kolei może pomóc im w konfrontacji z ich lękami.

• #25 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder

  Are nightmares preventable? […] While it may not be possible to completely prevent nightmares, there are several strategies that can help reduce their frequency and intensity: […] Stress management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help minimize stress-induced nightmares. […] Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential nightmare triggers, such as certain medications, alcohol, or stressful situations, can help prevent nightmares. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), can help individuals rewrite the endings of their nightmares and reduce their frequency and intensity.

• #26 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  If stress or anxiety is an issue, talk about it. Practice some simple stress-relief activities, such as deep breathing or relaxation. A mental health professional can help, if needed. […] If nightmares cause concerns about sleep disturbance or underlying conditions, consider seeing a doctor. The doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist or a mental health professional.

• #27 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder

  Are nightmares preventable? […] While it may not be possible to completely prevent nightmares, there are several strategies that can help reduce their frequency and intensity: […] Stress management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help minimize stress-induced nightmares. […] Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential nightmare triggers, such as certain medications, alcohol, or stressful situations, can help prevent nightmares. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), can help individuals rewrite the endings of their nightmares and reduce their frequency and intensity.

• #28 Nightmare Disorder Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-treatment

  Reassurance and conservative management is the only treatment required for sporadic nightmares. […] Daytime stressors should be identified and resolution attempted. Bedtime should become a safe and comfortable time when parents read to and talk with the child. Parents should monitor media exposure, as this influences dream content. […] Several different cognitive-behavioral methods have been reported to be effective in treating nightmares in children. […] Hypnosis has been reported to be effective in treating nightmares and other parasomnias in children and adults. […] If the nightmare is recurrent, discussing dream content and rescripting may help. […] In adults with PTSD-associated nightmares, image rehearsal therapy is recommended. Other treatments that may be considered for PTSD-associated nightmares include cognitive behavioral therapy; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole; clonidine; cyproheptadine; fluvoxamine; gabapentin; nabilone; phenelzine; prazosin; topiramate; trazodone; and tricyclic antidepressants.

• #29 How to prevent nightmares (and fall asleep after bad dreams) — Calm Blog

  https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-prevent-nightmares

  Nightmares can be a nightmare for your health and wellbeing. Find out what causes bad dreams to learn how to prevent them, and fall back to sleep more easily. […] But there is hope. With awareness and understanding of whats causing your nightmares, along with some effective strategies, its possible to manage, if not prevent, bad dreams. Tools such as mindfulness and meditation, can help you cultivate a more easeful mind, and significantly improve the quality of your sleep. […] Now that we know what might be causing nightmares, here are some strategies to help keep bad dreams at bay. […] Implementing these strategies can make a big difference in preventing nightmares and improving the overall quality of your sleep. […] Preventing nightmares often involves addressing these underlying causes. This could mean establishing a healthy sleep routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, managing stress, avoiding stimulating activities before bed, exercising regularly, avoiding heavy meals before bedtime, and talking about whats troubling you. […] Nightmares can be challenging, but understanding their triggers and implementing strategies to manage them can help you reclaim a peaceful nights sleep.

• #30 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/diseases/nightmare-disorder/

  Preventing nightmare disorder involves addressing the underlying causes and adopting healthy sleep practices. Some preventive measures include: […] Practicing relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, can help manage stress and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime can promote restful sleep and minimize nightmares. […] Seeking professional support for managing stress, anxiety, or trauma can be instrumental in preventing the onset of nightmare disorder.

• #31 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  If stress or anxiety is an issue, talk about it. Practice some simple stress-relief activities, such as deep breathing or relaxation. A mental health professional can help, if needed. […] If nightmares cause concerns about sleep disturbance or underlying conditions, consider seeing a doctor. The doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist or a mental health professional.

• #32 Best Practice Guide for the Treatment of Nightmare Disorder in Adults

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2919672/

  Prazosin is recommended for treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-associated nightmares. Level A […] Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) is recommended for treatment of nightmare disorder. Level A […] Systematic Desensitization and Progressive Deep Muscle Relaxation training are suggested for treatment of idiopathic nightmares. Level B […] Clonidine may be considered for treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares. Level C […] The following behavioral therapies may be considered for treatment of nightmare disorder based on low-grade evidence: Lucid Dreaming Therapy and Self-Exposure Therapy. Level C […] No recommendation is made regarding clonazepam and individual psychotherapy because of sparse data.

• #33 Nightmares: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Sleepopolis

  https://sleepopolis.com/education/nightmares/

  Nightmare disorder treatment options may include: Stress-reduction techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can all decrease overall stress, which may lessen your nightmares. […] Counseling: Speaking with a mental health professional may help you get to the root of your nightmare triggers and address them. […] Imagery rehearsal therapy: Most often used with people who have nightmares with PTSD, imagery rehearsal therapy can help you adjust the content of your nightmares by imagining more happy endings. […] Medical treatment: If your nightmares stem from a medical condition, treating that condition can lessen nightmares. […] Medications: Although rarely used, some medications may help with nightmares, especially for severe nightmares with PTSD.

• #34 Night terrors and nightmares

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/night-terrors/

  For most people, night terrors and nightmares get better on their own. […] If your child is having night terrors or nightmares, there are things you can try to help. […] try having a relaxing bedtime routine […] keep a sleep diary (including things you did during the day and evening, how you were feeling and how you slept) to help identify any causes […] try to deal with things that might be causing stress or anxiety. […] If they’re having a night terror at the same time every night, try waking them up 15 minutes before the night terror every night for a week. This can sometimes stop the night terrors happening. […] Treatment for nightmares in adults depends on what may be causing them. […] If you’re having nightmares caused by a traumatic event, a GP may recommend psychological treatment such as counselling. […] If you have a condition that affects your sleep, treatment will usually involve trying to manage the condition better.

• #35 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder

  Are nightmares preventable? […] While it may not be possible to completely prevent nightmares, there are several strategies that can help reduce their frequency and intensity: […] Stress management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help minimize stress-induced nightmares. […] Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential nightmare triggers, such as certain medications, alcohol, or stressful situations, can help prevent nightmares. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), can help individuals rewrite the endings of their nightmares and reduce their frequency and intensity.

• #36 Nightmare Disorder Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-treatment

  Reassurance and conservative management is the only treatment required for sporadic nightmares. […] Daytime stressors should be identified and resolution attempted. Bedtime should become a safe and comfortable time when parents read to and talk with the child. Parents should monitor media exposure, as this influences dream content. […] Several different cognitive-behavioral methods have been reported to be effective in treating nightmares in children. […] Hypnosis has been reported to be effective in treating nightmares and other parasomnias in children and adults. […] If the nightmare is recurrent, discussing dream content and rescripting may help. […] In adults with PTSD-associated nightmares, image rehearsal therapy is recommended. Other treatments that may be considered for PTSD-associated nightmares include cognitive behavioral therapy; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole; clonidine; cyproheptadine; fluvoxamine; gabapentin; nabilone; phenelzine; prazosin; topiramate; trazodone; and tricyclic antidepressants.

• #37

  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a31996190/how-to-stop-nightmares/

  Alcohol might make you sleepy, but it (and other substances like drugs) can actually lead to nightmares, says Dr. Dasgupta. […] Depression and anxiety can be a nightmare trigger, but so can some of the drugs often prescribed to treat those conditions, such as SSRI (selective serotonin response inhibitors) in fact, SSRI may actually intensify dreams, says Michael Breus, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. […] If you can recall what you dreamt about, image-rehearsal therapy may help reduce nightmares the next time you sleep. […] One trick that may help you keep a handle on them is to carve out time to feel and experience those negative thoughts and emotions that way you don’t bring them with you into bed. […] This might seem obvious, but watching a frightening movie or reading a scary book can lead to nightmares, so consider taking a break or hitting pause to see if they stop.

• #38

  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a31996190/how-to-stop-nightmares/

  Alcohol might make you sleepy, but it (and other substances like drugs) can actually lead to nightmares, says Dr. Dasgupta. […] Depression and anxiety can be a nightmare trigger, but so can some of the drugs often prescribed to treat those conditions, such as SSRI (selective serotonin response inhibitors) in fact, SSRI may actually intensify dreams, says Michael Breus, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. […] If you can recall what you dreamt about, image-rehearsal therapy may help reduce nightmares the next time you sleep. […] One trick that may help you keep a handle on them is to carve out time to feel and experience those negative thoughts and emotions that way you don’t bring them with you into bed. […] This might seem obvious, but watching a frightening movie or reading a scary book can lead to nightmares, so consider taking a break or hitting pause to see if they stop.

• #39

  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a31996190/how-to-stop-nightmares/

  Alcohol might make you sleepy, but it (and other substances like drugs) can actually lead to nightmares, says Dr. Dasgupta. […] Depression and anxiety can be a nightmare trigger, but so can some of the drugs often prescribed to treat those conditions, such as SSRI (selective serotonin response inhibitors) in fact, SSRI may actually intensify dreams, says Michael Breus, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, diplomat of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, and Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. […] If you can recall what you dreamt about, image-rehearsal therapy may help reduce nightmares the next time you sleep. […] One trick that may help you keep a handle on them is to carve out time to feel and experience those negative thoughts and emotions that way you don’t bring them with you into bed. […] This might seem obvious, but watching a frightening movie or reading a scary book can lead to nightmares, so consider taking a break or hitting pause to see if they stop.

• #40 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #41 Nightmares and Disorders of Dreaming | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0401/p2037.html

  Nightmares are common. They can be associated with poor sleep and diminished daytime performance. […] Dream disorders may respond to medication, but behavioral treatment approaches have shown excellent results, particularly in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and recurrent nightmares. […] Nightmares affect 20 to 39 percent of children between five and 12 years of age. […] Nightmares are often described by creative persons who demonstrate thin boundaries on psychologic tests. […] Nightmares are also associated with the use of medication, primarily those medications that affect neurotransmitter levels of the central nervous system, such as antidepressants, narcotics or barbiturates. […] Nightmares related to PTSD occur after an intensely frightening or highly emotional experience. […] Nightmares can occur in patients with psychiatric illness. […] Behavioral approaches in the treatment of nightmares have been successful and can result in short- and long-term reduction of nightmare frequency in more than 70 percent of patients.

• #42 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #43 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #44 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #45 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #46 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #47 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #48 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #49 Nightmares (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nightmare.html

  Nightmares aren’t completely preventable, but parents can set the stage for a peaceful night’s rest. […] Parents can’t prevent nightmares, but can help kids get a good night’s sleep and that encourages sweet dreams. […] To help them relax when it’s time to sleep, be sure that kids have a regular bedtime and wake-up time, have a sleep routine that helps them slow down and feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, have a bed that’s a cozy, peaceful place to quiet down, avoid scary movies, TV shows, and stories before bed, avoid screentime such as video games or social media, avoid caffeine, and know that nightmares aren’t real, that they’re just dreams and can’t hurt them. […] For most kids, nightmares happen only now and then, are not cause for concern, and simply need a parent’s comfort and reassurance.

• #50 Nightmare Disorder Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-treatment

  Reassurance and conservative management is the only treatment required for sporadic nightmares. […] Daytime stressors should be identified and resolution attempted. Bedtime should become a safe and comfortable time when parents read to and talk with the child. Parents should monitor media exposure, as this influences dream content. […] Several different cognitive-behavioral methods have been reported to be effective in treating nightmares in children. […] Hypnosis has been reported to be effective in treating nightmares and other parasomnias in children and adults. […] If the nightmare is recurrent, discussing dream content and rescripting may help. […] In adults with PTSD-associated nightmares, image rehearsal therapy is recommended. Other treatments that may be considered for PTSD-associated nightmares include cognitive behavioral therapy; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole; clonidine; cyproheptadine; fluvoxamine; gabapentin; nabilone; phenelzine; prazosin; topiramate; trazodone; and tricyclic antidepressants.

• #51 What Causes Nightmares? Treatment & Types

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/nightmares/article_em.htm

  Nightmare prevention […] Practicing good sleep hygiene is important for everyone who has experienced nightmares. This includes: establishing a bedtime routine that starts at the same time every evening and making bedtime a safe and comfortable time. […] For children: using a nightlight can decrease fear or anxiety; discussing monsters — either under the bed or in the closet — and showing the child that nothing harmful is present can be reassuring; and imagining alternate endings to nightmares can provide a child with a sense of empowerment prior to going to sleep. […] For adults, improvement in sleep/wake cycles can be seen with: eliminating television or computer exposure an hour or more before bedtime; maintaining consistent sleep and wake times; eliminating working in bed; cutting back on caffeine after 1PM (for those who work daytime hours); and practicing lucid dreaming. […] If nightmares occur frequently (more than two nights per week over many months), then psychological evaluation is suggested. Different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnosis, can be of benefit in decreasing the frequency of nightmares.

• #52 What Causes Nightmares? Treatment & Types

  https://www.emedicinehealth.com/nightmares/article_em.htm

  Nightmare prevention […] Practicing good sleep hygiene is important for everyone who has experienced nightmares. This includes: establishing a bedtime routine that starts at the same time every evening and making bedtime a safe and comfortable time. […] For children: using a nightlight can decrease fear or anxiety; discussing monsters — either under the bed or in the closet — and showing the child that nothing harmful is present can be reassuring; and imagining alternate endings to nightmares can provide a child with a sense of empowerment prior to going to sleep. […] For adults, improvement in sleep/wake cycles can be seen with: eliminating television or computer exposure an hour or more before bedtime; maintaining consistent sleep and wake times; eliminating working in bed; cutting back on caffeine after 1PM (for those who work daytime hours); and practicing lucid dreaming. […] If nightmares occur frequently (more than two nights per week over many months), then psychological evaluation is suggested. Different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and hypnosis, can be of benefit in decreasing the frequency of nightmares.

• #53 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  Treatment for nightmares isn’t usually necessary. However, treatment may be needed if the nightmares are causing you distress or sleep disturbance and interfering with your daytime functioning. […] If a mental health condition, such as stress or anxiety, seems to be contributing to the nightmares, your doctor may suggest stress-reduction techniques, counseling or therapy with a mental health professional. […] If nightmares are a problem for you or your child, try these strategies: Establish a regular, relaxing routine before bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine is important. […] If your child is struggling with nightmares, be patient, calm and reassuring. After your child awakens from a nightmare, respond quickly and soothe your child at the bedside. This may prevent future nightmares.

• #54 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/nightmare-disorder

  Reassurance of the patient or child and parents is all that is usually required. […] Helpful tips for children: It may help to develop a relaxing bedtime routine that does not vary. Attention to causes of stress and upheaval within the home may help reduce the propensity to nightmares. […] If the problem is occurring, say, on a more than twice-weekly basis persistently, then it may be worth referring for psychological or child-psychiatric input. Cognitive behavioural therapy may be beneficial. […] There is evidence that psychological techniques such as imaginal confrontation with nightmare contents or imagery re-scripting and rehearsal may be helpful. […] Drug treatment is not usually helpful and is more likely to cause nightmares. […] Prazosin may be helpful for nightmares associated with PTSD, although there are reservations about conflicting data.

• #55 Nightmare Disorder: Causes of Atypical Adult Dreaming

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/nightmare-disorder-7487063

  Nightmare disorder is a mental illness defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A person with nightmare disorder has recurring nightmares that affect their daily functioning and cause distress. […] There are effective treatment methods to reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares, including psychotherapy and medication, or a combination of the two. […] A mental health provider can bring comfort and coping mechanisms and track treatment progress. They can also determine whether other mental or medical disorders contribute to nightmares, including substance use disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD. […] If you experience nightmares regularly, there are treatment options that can help. Seek a mental health professional to determine the right treatment plan and learn helpful coping strategies.

• #56 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

  https://thriveworks.com/help-with/sleep/nightmare-disorder/

  Persistent nightmares are upsetting, and the disruption they cause can create serious stress. If you’re struggling with frequent nightmares, help is available. Reaching out to a mental health professional who specializes in sleep is a great first step in moving towards healthier, uninterrupted sleep.

• #57 Nightmare Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24464-nightmare-disorder

  To treat nightmare disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of therapies, including forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. […] The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) and related treatments like exposure, relaxation and rescripting therapy (ERRT) as the most effective treatment for nightmare disorder in adults. […] These CBT-based therapies frame nightmares as having served a beneficial purpose to help you emotionally process past events. But over time, these nightmares become disruptive. […] Your healthcare provider may consider medications if the above-mentioned forms of psychotherapy don’t help. […] It’s important to seek help if you’re having recurrent nightmares.

• #58 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  Treatment for nightmares isn’t usually necessary. However, treatment may be needed if the nightmares are causing you distress or sleep disturbance and interfering with your daytime functioning. […] If a mental health condition, such as stress or anxiety, seems to be contributing to the nightmares, your doctor may suggest stress-reduction techniques, counseling or therapy with a mental health professional. […] If nightmares are a problem for you or your child, try these strategies: Establish a regular, relaxing routine before bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine is important. […] If your child is struggling with nightmares, be patient, calm and reassuring. After your child awakens from a nightmare, respond quickly and soothe your child at the bedside. This may prevent future nightmares.

• #59 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  Treatment for nightmares isn’t usually necessary. However, treatment may be needed if the nightmares are causing you distress or sleep disturbance and interfering with your daytime functioning. […] If a mental health condition, such as stress or anxiety, seems to be contributing to the nightmares, your doctor may suggest stress-reduction techniques, counseling or therapy with a mental health professional. […] If nightmares are a problem for you or your child, try these strategies: Establish a regular, relaxing routine before bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine is important. […] If your child is struggling with nightmares, be patient, calm and reassuring. After your child awakens from a nightmare, respond quickly and soothe your child at the bedside. This may prevent future nightmares.

• #60 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  If stress or anxiety is an issue, talk about it. Practice some simple stress-relief activities, such as deep breathing or relaxation. A mental health professional can help, if needed. […] If nightmares cause concerns about sleep disturbance or underlying conditions, consider seeing a doctor. The doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist or a mental health professional.

• #61 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print

  Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] While nightmares are not by definition pathologic, those that are frequent or disabling and impair social, occupational, emotional, and physical wellbeing are considered a disorder and are often a sign of underlying and treatable psychopathology. […] This topic reviews the causes, differential diagnosis, evaluation, and management of nightmares in adults. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] Trauma—Patients with a history of physical or emotional trauma are at increased risk for nightmares and related symptoms of intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal. […] Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder.

• #62 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults

  Lifestyle modifications that promote good sleep can help to decrease the frequency and severity of nightmares and enhance the overall quality of sleep. […] Psychiatric assessment and treatment of underlying psychiatric disease are recommended in patients with persistent nightmares. Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder. […] Psychotherapy to address underlying psychopathology or past trauma is suggested in most patients with chronic, persistent nightmares. […] A variety of cognitive and behavioral approaches have been studied for patients with nightmare disorder. Among these, we suggest imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in most patients. […] Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, is the best studied medication for nightmares and has been the preferred first-line pharmacotherapy when medication is deemed necessary.

• #63 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults

  Lifestyle modifications that promote good sleep can help to decrease the frequency and severity of nightmares and enhance the overall quality of sleep. […] Psychiatric assessment and treatment of underlying psychiatric disease are recommended in patients with persistent nightmares. Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder. […] Psychotherapy to address underlying psychopathology or past trauma is suggested in most patients with chronic, persistent nightmares. […] A variety of cognitive and behavioral approaches have been studied for patients with nightmare disorder. Among these, we suggest imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in most patients. […] Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, is the best studied medication for nightmares and has been the preferred first-line pharmacotherapy when medication is deemed necessary.

• #64 REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24465-rem-sleep-behavior-disorder-rbd

  In most cases, theres nothing you can do to prevent RBD. This is because the condition has risk factors that you cant prevent or change, such as your age or having narcolepsy or a neurodegenerative condition. […] If substances like alcohol cause RBD or make it worse, stopping the use of these substances can make RBD go away. […] It’s essential to create a safe sleeping environment to prevent injuries.

• #65 Management of Nightmare Disorder in Adults

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/management-of-nightmare-disorder-in-adults

  Occasional nightmares are fairly common, but nightmare disorder occurs in 2% to 6% of adults. […] Behavioral intervention with imagery-rehearsal therapy is currently the only treatment strategy recommended for all patients with recurrent nightmares. […] The only treatment strategy with enough evidence to be recommended in the AASM’s position paper is behavioral intervention with imagery-rehearsal therapy (IRT). […] Additional treatments that may be used for both PTSD-associated nightmares and nightmare disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapies. […] Pharmacist awareness of nightmare disorder is becoming increasingly important.

• #66 Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850667/

  Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is underpinned by the best available evidence and therefore recommended as level A treatment for nightmare disorder by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. […] There is an ongoing debate about active treatment mechanisms in IRT. […] Another aspect seldom targeted in theory and practice is the holding of maladaptive beliefs. […] The rarity of screening for nightmares within the healthcare system, together with the commonality of patients who do not complain about their nightmares to healthcare providers, has caused innumerable patients to go untreated. […] In sum, there are numerous research questions that remain unanswered concerning the aetiology of nightmare disorder, the improvement of nightmare treatments, the application of nightmare treatment to various subpopulations and the integration of nightmare treatments into the healthcare system.

• #67 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  The strongest evidence was for image rehearsal therapy. […] For Nightmare Disorder where the nightmares are not associated with PTSD, a number of psychological treatments have been used including cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; and systematic desensitization. […] Prazosin is the best researched and most widely prescribed drug for treating nightmares in the practice of sleep medicine. […] Prazosin works by reducing sympathetic outflow from the brain. […] It is the first line choice for pharmacologic therapy of nightmares. […] Image rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique that is designed to displace the content of a nightmare (Aurora et al, 2010).

• #68 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  Studies cited by (Morgenthaler et al, 2018) indicate that this method can be effective for a majority of patients and can significantly reduce the frequency of nightmares and the effect appears to be long lasting. […] Exposure, relaxation and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a modified form of Image rehearsal therapy and does not have as much research backing as IRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This treatment targets the anxiety associated with the nightmares (Aurora et al, 2010) and uses psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. […] Less research has been done on lucid dreaming therapy than IRT or ERRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This therapy shows promise in reducing or eliminating nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] There is some limited research evidence for the use of sleep dynamic therapy in the treatment of nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018).

• #69 Nightmare Disorder: What Causes It and How Do You Manage It?

  https://www.healthline.com/health/nightmare-disorder

  Nightmare disorder can be successfully managed with medications, behavioral modification, and psychotherapy. […] According to a 2018 position statement from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), image rehearsal therapy (IRT) is the recommended treatment for nightmare disorder. […] The goal is to reformat the ending of your nightmare into a positive outcome. […] IRT is just one treatment option available for nightmare disorder. Other techniques suggested by the AASM include: CBT, exposure, relaxation, and re-scripting therapy, hypnosis, lucid dreaming therapy, progressive deep muscle relaxation, sleep dynamic therapy, self-exposure, systematic desensitization, testimony method. […] Treatment for nightmare disorder can vary depending on your experiences and any co-existing conditions. If you also live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for example, your management plan may involve additional therapies and medications.

• #70 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  Studies cited by (Morgenthaler et al, 2018) indicate that this method can be effective for a majority of patients and can significantly reduce the frequency of nightmares and the effect appears to be long lasting. […] Exposure, relaxation and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a modified form of Image rehearsal therapy and does not have as much research backing as IRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This treatment targets the anxiety associated with the nightmares (Aurora et al, 2010) and uses psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. […] Less research has been done on lucid dreaming therapy than IRT or ERRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This therapy shows promise in reducing or eliminating nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] There is some limited research evidence for the use of sleep dynamic therapy in the treatment of nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018).

• #71 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  Studies cited by (Morgenthaler et al, 2018) indicate that this method can be effective for a majority of patients and can significantly reduce the frequency of nightmares and the effect appears to be long lasting. […] Exposure, relaxation and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a modified form of Image rehearsal therapy and does not have as much research backing as IRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This treatment targets the anxiety associated with the nightmares (Aurora et al, 2010) and uses psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. […] Less research has been done on lucid dreaming therapy than IRT or ERRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This therapy shows promise in reducing or eliminating nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] There is some limited research evidence for the use of sleep dynamic therapy in the treatment of nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018).

• #72 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  Studies cited by (Morgenthaler et al, 2018) indicate that this method can be effective for a majority of patients and can significantly reduce the frequency of nightmares and the effect appears to be long lasting. […] Exposure, relaxation and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a modified form of Image rehearsal therapy and does not have as much research backing as IRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This treatment targets the anxiety associated with the nightmares (Aurora et al, 2010) and uses psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. […] Less research has been done on lucid dreaming therapy than IRT or ERRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This therapy shows promise in reducing or eliminating nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] There is some limited research evidence for the use of sleep dynamic therapy in the treatment of nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018).

• #73 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  This approach also shows promise in reducing nightmares and appears to be long lasting (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] Self-exposure therapy is a form of systematic desensitization. […] These therapies, primarily psychological and behavioral in nature, offer hope that Nightmare Disorder and the nightmares associated with PTSD can be treated. […] One or more of these treatments may work for you.

• #74 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  This approach also shows promise in reducing nightmares and appears to be long lasting (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] Self-exposure therapy is a form of systematic desensitization. […] These therapies, primarily psychological and behavioral in nature, offer hope that Nightmare Disorder and the nightmares associated with PTSD can be treated. […] One or more of these treatments may work for you.

• #75 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults

  Lifestyle modifications that promote good sleep can help to decrease the frequency and severity of nightmares and enhance the overall quality of sleep. […] Psychiatric assessment and treatment of underlying psychiatric disease are recommended in patients with persistent nightmares. Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder. […] Psychotherapy to address underlying psychopathology or past trauma is suggested in most patients with chronic, persistent nightmares. […] A variety of cognitive and behavioral approaches have been studied for patients with nightmare disorder. Among these, we suggest imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in most patients. […] Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, is the best studied medication for nightmares and has been the preferred first-line pharmacotherapy when medication is deemed necessary.

• #76 Best Practice Guide for the Treatment of Nightmare Disorder in Adults

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2919672/

  Prazosin is recommended for treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-associated nightmares. Level A […] Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) is recommended for treatment of nightmare disorder. Level A […] Systematic Desensitization and Progressive Deep Muscle Relaxation training are suggested for treatment of idiopathic nightmares. Level B […] Clonidine may be considered for treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares. Level C […] The following behavioral therapies may be considered for treatment of nightmare disorder based on low-grade evidence: Lucid Dreaming Therapy and Self-Exposure Therapy. Level C […] No recommendation is made regarding clonazepam and individual psychotherapy because of sparse data.

• #77 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  The strongest evidence was for image rehearsal therapy. […] For Nightmare Disorder where the nightmares are not associated with PTSD, a number of psychological treatments have been used including cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; and systematic desensitization. […] Prazosin is the best researched and most widely prescribed drug for treating nightmares in the practice of sleep medicine. […] Prazosin works by reducing sympathetic outflow from the brain. […] It is the first line choice for pharmacologic therapy of nightmares. […] Image rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique that is designed to displace the content of a nightmare (Aurora et al, 2010).

• #78 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  The strongest evidence was for image rehearsal therapy. […] For Nightmare Disorder where the nightmares are not associated with PTSD, a number of psychological treatments have been used including cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; and systematic desensitization. […] Prazosin is the best researched and most widely prescribed drug for treating nightmares in the practice of sleep medicine. […] Prazosin works by reducing sympathetic outflow from the brain. […] It is the first line choice for pharmacologic therapy of nightmares. […] Image rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique that is designed to displace the content of a nightmare (Aurora et al, 2010).

• #79 Best Practice Guide for the Treatment of Nightmare Disorder in Adults

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2919672/

  Prazosin is recommended for treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-associated nightmares. Level A […] Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) is recommended for treatment of nightmare disorder. Level A […] Systematic Desensitization and Progressive Deep Muscle Relaxation training are suggested for treatment of idiopathic nightmares. Level B […] Clonidine may be considered for treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares. Level C […] The following behavioral therapies may be considered for treatment of nightmare disorder based on low-grade evidence: Lucid Dreaming Therapy and Self-Exposure Therapy. Level C […] No recommendation is made regarding clonazepam and individual psychotherapy because of sparse data.

• #80 Nightmare Disorder Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-treatment

  Reassurance and conservative management is the only treatment required for sporadic nightmares. […] Daytime stressors should be identified and resolution attempted. Bedtime should become a safe and comfortable time when parents read to and talk with the child. Parents should monitor media exposure, as this influences dream content. […] Several different cognitive-behavioral methods have been reported to be effective in treating nightmares in children. […] Hypnosis has been reported to be effective in treating nightmares and other parasomnias in children and adults. […] If the nightmare is recurrent, discussing dream content and rescripting may help. […] In adults with PTSD-associated nightmares, image rehearsal therapy is recommended. Other treatments that may be considered for PTSD-associated nightmares include cognitive behavioral therapy; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; the atypical antipsychotics olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole; clonidine; cyproheptadine; fluvoxamine; gabapentin; nabilone; phenelzine; prazosin; topiramate; trazodone; and tricyclic antidepressants.

• #81 Nightmare Disorder Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-treatment

  In adults with nightmare disorder, the following treatments may be considered: cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; systematic desensitization; testimony method; nitrazepam; prazosin; and triazolam. […] Clonazepam and venlafaxine are not recommended for the treatment of nightmare disorder in adults. […] Psychiatric intervention may be warranted for various therapies. […] Psychological evaluation is indicated for patients whose nightmares occur more than twice a week over a period of several months or when the nightmares are of great severity.

• #82 Nightmare Disorder Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-treatment

  In adults with nightmare disorder, the following treatments may be considered: cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; systematic desensitization; testimony method; nitrazepam; prazosin; and triazolam. […] Clonazepam and venlafaxine are not recommended for the treatment of nightmare disorder in adults. […] Psychiatric intervention may be warranted for various therapies. […] Psychological evaluation is indicated for patients whose nightmares occur more than twice a week over a period of several months or when the nightmares are of great severity.

• #83 NightWare | Take Sleep Back. Move Life Forward.

  https://nightware.com/

  Health care professionals and their patients have a 21st century option to improve sleep. NightWare is a prescription digital therapeutic system for the reduction of sleep disturbance related to Nightmare Disorder or nightmares from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is the first and only FDA-cleared, prescription digital therapeutic that improves sleep in adults 22 and older with Nightmare Disorder or nightmares related to PTSD. […] According to a Nov. 6, 2020 FDA news release, „Today’s authorization offers a new, low-risk treatment option that uses digital technology in an effort to provide temporary relief from sleep disturbance related to nightmares.” […] NightWare’s safety and efficacy is supported by data from our ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. We are generating a larger body of evidence by completing our pivotal trial by expanding to additional study sites and conducting new studies.

• #84 NightWare | Take Sleep Back. Move Life Forward.

  https://nightware.com/

  Health care professionals and their patients have a 21st century option to improve sleep. NightWare is a prescription digital therapeutic system for the reduction of sleep disturbance related to Nightmare Disorder or nightmares from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is the first and only FDA-cleared, prescription digital therapeutic that improves sleep in adults 22 and older with Nightmare Disorder or nightmares related to PTSD. […] According to a Nov. 6, 2020 FDA news release, „Today’s authorization offers a new, low-risk treatment option that uses digital technology in an effort to provide temporary relief from sleep disturbance related to nightmares.” […] NightWare’s safety and efficacy is supported by data from our ongoing randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. We are generating a larger body of evidence by completing our pivotal trial by expanding to additional study sites and conducting new studies.

• #85 NightWare | Take Sleep Back. Move Life Forward.

  https://nightware.com/

  The NightWare prescription digital therapeutic system uses intuitive Apple products. We designed NightWare for patients who suffer from severe nightmares that are adversely impacting their sleep. It’s also important to us to provide physicians with an additional product that can help them improve sleep quality for their patients experiencing nightmares associated with PTSD and trauma. As an FDA-cleared Class II medical device, NightWare: Helps patients with Nightmare Disorder improve their sleep within two weeks. […] Delivers a low-risk treatment that has no known drug interactions. […] Can be used with other treatments for nightmares and can be used with existing therapies for PTSD.

• #86 NightWare | Take Sleep Back. Move Life Forward.

  https://nightware.com/

  The NightWare prescription digital therapeutic system uses intuitive Apple products. We designed NightWare for patients who suffer from severe nightmares that are adversely impacting their sleep. It’s also important to us to provide physicians with an additional product that can help them improve sleep quality for their patients experiencing nightmares associated with PTSD and trauma. As an FDA-cleared Class II medical device, NightWare: Helps patients with Nightmare Disorder improve their sleep within two weeks. […] Delivers a low-risk treatment that has no known drug interactions. […] Can be used with other treatments for nightmares and can be used with existing therapies for PTSD.

• #87 New treatment for debilitating nightmares offers better dreams

  https://www.sciencenews.org/article/treatment-nightmares-sleep

  A boost from a memory-enhancing technique improves the standard therapy for nightmare disorder. […] In a small study, a new treatment for nightmare disorder left people with fewer nightmares over a longer period than the standard treatment. […] Enhancing the standard treatment for nightmare disorder with a memory-boosting technique cut down average weekly nightmares among a few dozen people from three to near zero, researchers report online October 27 in Current Biology. […] The go-to nightmare disorder treatment is imagery rehearsal therapy, or IRT. In this treatment, patients reimagine nightmares with a positive spin, mentally rehearsing the new story line while awake. It reduces nightmares for most but fails for nearly a third of people. […] To boost IRT’s power, neuroscientist Sophie Schwartz of the University of Geneva and her colleagues leveraged a learning technique called targeted memory reactivation, or TMR.

• #88 New treatment for debilitating nightmares offers better dreams

  https://www.sciencenews.org/article/treatment-nightmares-sleep

  A boost from a memory-enhancing technique improves the standard therapy for nightmare disorder. […] In a small study, a new treatment for nightmare disorder left people with fewer nightmares over a longer period than the standard treatment. […] Enhancing the standard treatment for nightmare disorder with a memory-boosting technique cut down average weekly nightmares among a few dozen people from three to near zero, researchers report online October 27 in Current Biology. […] The go-to nightmare disorder treatment is imagery rehearsal therapy, or IRT. In this treatment, patients reimagine nightmares with a positive spin, mentally rehearsing the new story line while awake. It reduces nightmares for most but fails for nearly a third of people. […] To boost IRT’s power, neuroscientist Sophie Schwartz of the University of Geneva and her colleagues leveraged a learning technique called targeted memory reactivation, or TMR.

• #89 New treatment for debilitating nightmares offers better dreams

  https://www.sciencenews.org/article/treatment-nightmares-sleep

  For those trained on the chord, TMR nearly vanquished the nightmares, bringing the weekly average down from three to 0.2, and even encouraged happier dreams. […] The TMR-IRT combination also had more staying power after three months, with that group’s average rising only slightly from about 0.2 to 0.3 nightmares a week, while the IRT-only group’s jumped to 1.5. […] If a TMR-IRT combo proves as strong in future research, it still has a way to go before it’s widely accessible.

• #90 Nightmare Disorder Treatment Recommendations Publishedlogo-32logo-40logo-60NEJM Journal WatchnejmJW_1L_RGB-b

  https://www.jwatch.org/fw114285/2018/06/18/nightmare-disorder-treatment-recommendations-published

  The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released new guidance on managing nightmare disorder in a position paper in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. […] For nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), image rehearsal therapy is recommended, while the following may be used: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); CBT for insomnia; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; and exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy. […] For nightmare disorder without PTSD, the following nonpharmacologic therapies can be used: CBT; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; self-exposure therapy; systemic desensitization; and testimony method. […] Nitrazepam, prazosin, and triazolam may be used in this group.

• #91 Nightmare Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24464-nightmare-disorder

  To treat nightmare disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of therapies, including forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. […] The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) and related treatments like exposure, relaxation and rescripting therapy (ERRT) as the most effective treatment for nightmare disorder in adults. […] These CBT-based therapies frame nightmares as having served a beneficial purpose to help you emotionally process past events. But over time, these nightmares become disruptive. […] Your healthcare provider may consider medications if the above-mentioned forms of psychotherapy don’t help. […] It’s important to seek help if you’re having recurrent nightmares.

• #92 Nightmare Disorder Treatment Recommendations Publishedlogo-32logo-40logo-60NEJM Journal WatchnejmJW_1L_RGB-b

  https://www.jwatch.org/fw114285/2018/06/18/nightmare-disorder-treatment-recommendations-published

  The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released new guidance on managing nightmare disorder in a position paper in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. […] For nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), image rehearsal therapy is recommended, while the following may be used: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); CBT for insomnia; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; and exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy. […] For nightmare disorder without PTSD, the following nonpharmacologic therapies can be used: CBT; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; self-exposure therapy; systemic desensitization; and testimony method. […] Nitrazepam, prazosin, and triazolam may be used in this group.

• #93 Nightmare Disorder Treatment Recommendations Publishedlogo-32logo-40logo-60NEJM Journal WatchnejmJW_1L_RGB-b

  https://www.jwatch.org/fw114285/2018/06/18/nightmare-disorder-treatment-recommendations-published

  The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released new guidance on managing nightmare disorder in a position paper in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. […] For nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), image rehearsal therapy is recommended, while the following may be used: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); CBT for insomnia; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; and exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy. […] For nightmare disorder without PTSD, the following nonpharmacologic therapies can be used: CBT; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; self-exposure therapy; systemic desensitization; and testimony method. […] Nitrazepam, prazosin, and triazolam may be used in this group.

• #94 Nightmare Disorder Treatment Recommendations Publishedlogo-32logo-40logo-60NEJM Journal WatchnejmJW_1L_RGB-b

  https://www.jwatch.org/fw114285/2018/06/18/nightmare-disorder-treatment-recommendations-published

  The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released new guidance on managing nightmare disorder in a position paper in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. […] For nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), image rehearsal therapy is recommended, while the following may be used: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); CBT for insomnia; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing; and exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy. […] For nightmare disorder without PTSD, the following nonpharmacologic therapies can be used: CBT; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; self-exposure therapy; systemic desensitization; and testimony method. […] Nitrazepam, prazosin, and triazolam may be used in this group.

• #95 Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text

  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1

  The British Association for Psychopharmacology review of treatments recommends psychosocial interventions for nightmares that include exposure, writing down dreams, guided imagery, pleasant images, and changing the ending. […] The image rehearsal or rescripting therapies were the most common form of intervention used. […] The findings of the current review suggest that psychosocial treatments have the potential to be beneficial across varied lengths or modes, and for both idiopathic and PTSD nightmares, however further trials and meta-analyses are required. […] Treatments as short as two sessions and self-guided treatments produced significant benefits. […] This suggests that image rehearsal and exposure techniques might be used as part of broader treatment plans for complex presentations such as PTSD.

• #96 New position paper recommends treatment options for nightmare disorder in adults

  https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-06-position-paper-treatment-options-nightmare.html

  „The first step to get help for nightmares is to discuss this concern with a doctor, who may refer you to an accredited sleep center for a comprehensive sleep evaluation by a board-certified sleep medicine physician,” said AASM President Dr. Douglas Kirsch. […] The following therapy is recommended for the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares and nightmare disorder: image rehearsal therapy. […] The following therapies may be used for the treatment of nightmare disorder: cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; systematic desensitization; testimony method; nitrazepam; prazosin; and triazolam. […] The following are not recommended for the treatment of nightmare disorder: clonazepam and venlafaxine. […] The task force also identified a need for more randomized controlled trials and well-designed comparative efficacy trials to allow for further evaluation of treatments for nightmare disorder.

• #97 Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850667/

  Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is underpinned by the best available evidence and therefore recommended as level A treatment for nightmare disorder by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. […] There is an ongoing debate about active treatment mechanisms in IRT. […] Another aspect seldom targeted in theory and practice is the holding of maladaptive beliefs. […] The rarity of screening for nightmares within the healthcare system, together with the commonality of patients who do not complain about their nightmares to healthcare providers, has caused innumerable patients to go untreated. […] In sum, there are numerous research questions that remain unanswered concerning the aetiology of nightmare disorder, the improvement of nightmare treatments, the application of nightmare treatment to various subpopulations and the integration of nightmare treatments into the healthcare system.

• #98 Nightmares: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Sleepopolis

  https://sleepopolis.com/education/nightmares/

  Nightmare disorder treatment options may include: Stress-reduction techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can all decrease overall stress, which may lessen your nightmares. […] Counseling: Speaking with a mental health professional may help you get to the root of your nightmare triggers and address them. […] Imagery rehearsal therapy: Most often used with people who have nightmares with PTSD, imagery rehearsal therapy can help you adjust the content of your nightmares by imagining more happy endings. […] Medical treatment: If your nightmares stem from a medical condition, treating that condition can lessen nightmares. […] Medications: Although rarely used, some medications may help with nightmares, especially for severe nightmares with PTSD.

• #99 New position paper recommends treatment options for nightmare disorder in adults

  https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-06-position-paper-treatment-options-nightmare.html

  „The first step to get help for nightmares is to discuss this concern with a doctor, who may refer you to an accredited sleep center for a comprehensive sleep evaluation by a board-certified sleep medicine physician,” said AASM President Dr. Douglas Kirsch. […] The following therapy is recommended for the treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares and nightmare disorder: image rehearsal therapy. […] The following therapies may be used for the treatment of nightmare disorder: cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; systematic desensitization; testimony method; nitrazepam; prazosin; and triazolam. […] The following are not recommended for the treatment of nightmare disorder: clonazepam and venlafaxine. […] The task force also identified a need for more randomized controlled trials and well-designed comparative efficacy trials to allow for further evaluation of treatments for nightmare disorder.

• #100 Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850667/

  Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is underpinned by the best available evidence and therefore recommended as level A treatment for nightmare disorder by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. […] There is an ongoing debate about active treatment mechanisms in IRT. […] Another aspect seldom targeted in theory and practice is the holding of maladaptive beliefs. […] The rarity of screening for nightmares within the healthcare system, together with the commonality of patients who do not complain about their nightmares to healthcare providers, has caused innumerable patients to go untreated. […] In sum, there are numerous research questions that remain unanswered concerning the aetiology of nightmare disorder, the improvement of nightmare treatments, the application of nightmare treatment to various subpopulations and the integration of nightmare treatments into the healthcare system.

• #101 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  The strongest evidence was for image rehearsal therapy. […] For Nightmare Disorder where the nightmares are not associated with PTSD, a number of psychological treatments have been used including cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; and systematic desensitization. […] Prazosin is the best researched and most widely prescribed drug for treating nightmares in the practice of sleep medicine. […] Prazosin works by reducing sympathetic outflow from the brain. […] It is the first line choice for pharmacologic therapy of nightmares. […] Image rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique that is designed to displace the content of a nightmare (Aurora et al, 2010).

• #102 Treating Nightmare Disorder | Psychology Today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleepless-in-america/201812/treating-nightmare-disorder

  Studies cited by (Morgenthaler et al, 2018) indicate that this method can be effective for a majority of patients and can significantly reduce the frequency of nightmares and the effect appears to be long lasting. […] Exposure, relaxation and rescripting therapy (ERRT) is a modified form of Image rehearsal therapy and does not have as much research backing as IRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This treatment targets the anxiety associated with the nightmares (Aurora et al, 2010) and uses psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. […] Less research has been done on lucid dreaming therapy than IRT or ERRT (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] This therapy shows promise in reducing or eliminating nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018). […] There is some limited research evidence for the use of sleep dynamic therapy in the treatment of nightmares (Morgenthaler et al, 2018).

• #103 Nightmare Disorder Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-treatment

  In adults with nightmare disorder, the following treatments may be considered: cognitive behavioral therapy; exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy; hypnosis; lucid dreaming therapy; progressive deep muscle relaxation; sleep dynamic therapy; self-exposure therapy; systematic desensitization; testimony method; nitrazepam; prazosin; and triazolam. […] Clonazepam and venlafaxine are not recommended for the treatment of nightmare disorder in adults. […] Psychiatric intervention may be warranted for various therapies. […] Psychological evaluation is indicated for patients whose nightmares occur more than twice a week over a period of several months or when the nightmares are of great severity.

• #104 Adult Nightmares: Causes and Treatments

  https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/nightmares-in-adults

  Fortunately, there are steps you and your doctor can take to lessen the frequency of your nightmares and the effect they are having on your life. […] If your nightmares aren’t illness- or medication-related, don’t despair. Behavioral changes have proven effective for 70% of adults who suffer from nightmares, including those caused by anxiety, depression, and PTSD. […] Remember to practice good sleep hygiene, which will help prevent the sleep deprivation that can bring on nightmares in adults.

• #105 Adult Nightmares: Causes and Treatments

  https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/nightmares-in-adults

  Fortunately, there are steps you and your doctor can take to lessen the frequency of your nightmares and the effect they are having on your life. […] If your nightmares aren’t illness- or medication-related, don’t despair. Behavioral changes have proven effective for 70% of adults who suffer from nightmares, including those caused by anxiety, depression, and PTSD. […] Remember to practice good sleep hygiene, which will help prevent the sleep deprivation that can bring on nightmares in adults.

• #106 Nightmares: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Sleepopolis

  https://sleepopolis.com/education/nightmares/

  Nightmare disorder treatment options may include: Stress-reduction techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can all decrease overall stress, which may lessen your nightmares. […] Counseling: Speaking with a mental health professional may help you get to the root of your nightmare triggers and address them. […] Imagery rehearsal therapy: Most often used with people who have nightmares with PTSD, imagery rehearsal therapy can help you adjust the content of your nightmares by imagining more happy endings. […] Medical treatment: If your nightmares stem from a medical condition, treating that condition can lessen nightmares. […] Medications: Although rarely used, some medications may help with nightmares, especially for severe nightmares with PTSD.

• #107 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #108 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #109 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #110 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #111 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #112 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #113 Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text

  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1

  There is an urgent need for RCTs that examine treatment effectiveness in this cohort. […] Overall, the results suggest that treatments are most effective when they facilitate a sense of control or mastery by directly targeting the nightmare content and/or the clients emotional responses to nightmare content.

• #114 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder

  Are nightmares preventable? […] While it may not be possible to completely prevent nightmares, there are several strategies that can help reduce their frequency and intensity: […] Stress management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help minimize stress-induced nightmares. […] Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential nightmare triggers, such as certain medications, alcohol, or stressful situations, can help prevent nightmares. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), can help individuals rewrite the endings of their nightmares and reduce their frequency and intensity.

• #115 Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text

  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1

  The results provide strong evidence for exposure and image rehearsal treatments for the reduction of nightmare frequency, severity, and distress, in civilian, military, idiopathic, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cohorts. […] The results suggest that treatments for nightmares are most effective when they facilitate a sense of control or mastery by directly targeting the nightmare content and/or the clients emotional responses to the nightmare content. […] The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommend image rehearsal therapy (IRT) for PTSD related nightmares and nightmare disorders, and also list a number of may be used treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure, relaxation, and rescripting therapy (ERRT).

• #116 Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text

  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1

  There is an urgent need for RCTs that examine treatment effectiveness in this cohort. […] Overall, the results suggest that treatments are most effective when they facilitate a sense of control or mastery by directly targeting the nightmare content and/or the clients emotional responses to nightmare content.

• #117 Nightmare disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353520

  Treatment for nightmares isn’t usually necessary. However, treatment may be needed if the nightmares are causing you distress or sleep disturbance and interfering with your daytime functioning. […] If a mental health condition, such as stress or anxiety, seems to be contributing to the nightmares, your doctor may suggest stress-reduction techniques, counseling or therapy with a mental health professional. […] If nightmares are a problem for you or your child, try these strategies: Establish a regular, relaxing routine before bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine is important. […] If your child is struggling with nightmares, be patient, calm and reassuring. After your child awakens from a nightmare, respond quickly and soothe your child at the bedside. This may prevent future nightmares.

• #118 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder

  Are nightmares preventable? […] While it may not be possible to completely prevent nightmares, there are several strategies that can help reduce their frequency and intensity: […] Stress management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help minimize stress-induced nightmares. […] Sleep hygiene: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime can promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares. […] Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding potential nightmare triggers, such as certain medications, alcohol, or stressful situations, can help prevent nightmares. […] Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT techniques, such as imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), can help individuals rewrite the endings of their nightmares and reduce their frequency and intensity.

• #119 How to stop having nightmares: There are many strategies to prevent bad dreams | PhillyVoice

  https://www.phillyvoice.com/nightmare-prevention-bad-dreams-treatment-therapy-/

  Maintain a regular sleep-wake routine. […] Review any medications you are taking with your doctor to make sure they are not the cause of your nightmares. […] Reduce your alcohol intake. […] When you are in the midst of a nightmare, wake yourself up fully by getting up and getting a glass of water. […] Don’t watch or ready anything scary before bed. […] Don’t snack before bed. […] Stress often can be a cause of distressing dreams, so make sure you are practicing stress-busters every day to help you feel more relaxed. […] If you are suffering from PTSD or another mental health condition, seek help as soon as possible.

• #120 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print

  Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] While nightmares are not by definition pathologic, those that are frequent or disabling and impair social, occupational, emotional, and physical wellbeing are considered a disorder and are often a sign of underlying and treatable psychopathology. […] This topic reviews the causes, differential diagnosis, evaluation, and management of nightmares in adults. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] Trauma—Patients with a history of physical or emotional trauma are at increased risk for nightmares and related symptoms of intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal. […] Successful treatment of common predisposing conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder (ASD) or PTSD will often decrease the frequency and severity of nightmare disorder.

• #121 Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850667/

  Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is underpinned by the best available evidence and therefore recommended as level A treatment for nightmare disorder by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. […] There is an ongoing debate about active treatment mechanisms in IRT. […] Another aspect seldom targeted in theory and practice is the holding of maladaptive beliefs. […] The rarity of screening for nightmares within the healthcare system, together with the commonality of patients who do not complain about their nightmares to healthcare providers, has caused innumerable patients to go untreated. […] In sum, there are numerous research questions that remain unanswered concerning the aetiology of nightmare disorder, the improvement of nightmare treatments, the application of nightmare treatment to various subpopulations and the integration of nightmare treatments into the healthcare system.

• #122 Best Practice Guide for the Treatment of Nightmare Disorder in Adults

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2919672/

  Prazosin is recommended for treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-associated nightmares. Level A […] Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) is recommended for treatment of nightmare disorder. Level A […] Systematic Desensitization and Progressive Deep Muscle Relaxation training are suggested for treatment of idiopathic nightmares. Level B […] Clonidine may be considered for treatment of PTSD-associated nightmares. Level C […] The following behavioral therapies may be considered for treatment of nightmare disorder based on low-grade evidence: Lucid Dreaming Therapy and Self-Exposure Therapy. Level C […] No recommendation is made regarding clonazepam and individual psychotherapy because of sparse data.

• #123 Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text

  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1

  There is an urgent need for RCTs that examine treatment effectiveness in this cohort. […] Overall, the results suggest that treatments are most effective when they facilitate a sense of control or mastery by directly targeting the nightmare content and/or the clients emotional responses to nightmare content.

• #124 Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text

  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1

  The British Association for Psychopharmacology review of treatments recommends psychosocial interventions for nightmares that include exposure, writing down dreams, guided imagery, pleasant images, and changing the ending. […] The image rehearsal or rescripting therapies were the most common form of intervention used. […] The findings of the current review suggest that psychosocial treatments have the potential to be beneficial across varied lengths or modes, and for both idiopathic and PTSD nightmares, however further trials and meta-analyses are required. […] Treatments as short as two sessions and self-guided treatments produced significant benefits. […] This suggests that image rehearsal and exposure techniques might be used as part of broader treatment plans for complex presentations such as PTSD.

• #125 Psychosocial treatments for nightmares in adults and children: a systematic review | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text

  https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04703-1

  The British Association for Psychopharmacology review of treatments recommends psychosocial interventions for nightmares that include exposure, writing down dreams, guided imagery, pleasant images, and changing the ending. […] The image rehearsal or rescripting therapies were the most common form of intervention used. […] The findings of the current review suggest that psychosocial treatments have the potential to be beneficial across varied lengths or modes, and for both idiopathic and PTSD nightmares, however further trials and meta-analyses are required. […] Treatments as short as two sessions and self-guided treatments produced significant benefits. […] This suggests that image rehearsal and exposure techniques might be used as part of broader treatment plans for complex presentations such as PTSD.

• #126 Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6850667/

  Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is underpinned by the best available evidence and therefore recommended as level A treatment for nightmare disorder by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. […] There is an ongoing debate about active treatment mechanisms in IRT. […] Another aspect seldom targeted in theory and practice is the holding of maladaptive beliefs. […] The rarity of screening for nightmares within the healthcare system, together with the commonality of patients who do not complain about their nightmares to healthcare providers, has caused innumerable patients to go untreated. […] In sum, there are numerous research questions that remain unanswered concerning the aetiology of nightmare disorder, the improvement of nightmare treatments, the application of nightmare treatment to various subpopulations and the integration of nightmare treatments into the healthcare system.

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